Baseless attacks against Hong Kong Convention

摘要

The implementation of the European Regulation on Ship Recycling and the prosecution of shipping companies in the Netherlands for recycling ships in South Asia have enforced the urgent need for the entry into force of Hong Kong Convention (HKC). When in force, it will provide international regulations that ensure a minimum set of standards for the safety of workers and the protection of the environment. The Convention was designed to be an enforceable, workable and pragmatic standard that fits with the governance regime of international shipping and that provides a level playing field. Nevertheless, it often comes under unwarranted and baseless attacks by NGOs dedicated to opposing beaching and to shutting down the shiprecycling industries in South Asia.